There are times when we lose control over things, and situations get out of hand. When these happen, the average person usually responds in different, albeit unfruitful and unhelpful, ways.
Some of us immediately push the panic button and stress ourselves too much. Some of us automatically release the steering wheel and let the event just happen. Some of us hop on the ejector seat and disappear from the scene, convincing ourselves that it won't hurt us. Some, like ostriches, hide their head in a safe spot, denying the fact that we won't escape the coming troubles or that which has come. Friends, as children of the Most High God, we weren't called to run away. We were called to stand up and be brave.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." We shouldn't feel scared or worried when things go out of hand. We are to have the opposite response to it: bold and trusting in God.
Be still
When things go out of our hands, we must realise that nothing ever goes out of God's hands for He is Sovereign. Psalm 115:3 reminds us that "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." He is above anything, and nothing will ever shake Him.
Consider what happened to the Israelites when they were between the Red Sea and the army of Egypt, which was fast approaching. Everybody was scared, but Moses told them, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (Exodus 14:13-14)
In the same way, we should not fret when such times come. Even though we are powerless to change the situation, we can still change our response to it. And the best response is not to fret, but to entrust everything to the Lord who holds all things.
Trust in the Lord
Psalm 37:3-4 tells us that we should "trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires."
When things go out of hand, we should trust in the Lord and, instead of panicking and doing all sorts of things we will later regret, we should do what is good.
We are also encouraged to "take delight in the Lord." This means enjoying Him no matter what we are going through. Praise Him in the midst of uncertainties. Thank Him for His goodness in all circumstances. You'll be blessed you did.
